Burlington Criminal Lawyers

Being charged with a criminal offence is undeniably one of the most daunting moments in a person’s life.

The looming threat of a conviction can cast a long shadow, impacting not just immediate penalties, but also future opportunities and societal perceptions. A criminal conviction can significantly influence career prospects and personal relationships for years to come. Given the huge implications, the role of a criminal lawyer of your defence becomes paramount.

Engaging a seasoned attorney with a strong reputation isn’t merely a procedural step; it’s a strategic move to safeguard one’s future. In essence, choosing the right legal representation is not just about navigating the present legal maze but ensuring a more secure and promising path ahead.

Risk Free Consultation

At Charitsis Law, we’re here to help and guide you, starting with a complimentary consultation. Whether you’d prefer to chat in person or over the phone, we’re flexible. In this initial discussion, we’ll address all your concerns: from understanding potential penalties and what the police need to establish, to exploring ways to robustly challenge the claims against you.

Our goal in your criminal defence is clear – to win your case, to have your criminal charges dismissed or mitigated to protecting you from severe outcomes like a criminal record, licence suspensions, or even jail time. We’re confident that after our conversation, you’ll recognize why so many trust Charitsis Law as their go-to defence team in Burlington.

What does a criminal lawyer do?

Criminal cases are built on evidence that must meet the standard of reasonable doubt. As criminal lawyers at the Burlington and Halton Region courts we can evaluate the evidence for legal applications, evidence by the police, and legal arguments. Arresting officers must follow arrest protocols and the rules of evidence in a criminal investigation. As defence lawyers we contest all inadmissible evidence and move to have any immaterial case facts dismissed.

Defending Cases in Burlington

When you secure the services of a criminal lawyer, you’re entrusting someone to stand up for you, represent your interests, and be your voice. They don’t just defend you in court; they actively engage and negotiate on your behalf with the crown attorney, ensuring your side of the story is heard and understood.

Your lawyer is your advocate, meticulously examining every detail of your case and challenging any weak or borderline evidence. If negotiations don’t lead to a just resolution, a committed criminal lawyer is prepared to take your case all the way to trial. They are there every step of the way, ensuring you’re not alone in this challenging journey and fighting for the best possible outcome for you.

Criminal Lawyers an Investment in Your Future

In Burlington, choosing a criminal lawyer to stand by your side isn’t just a decision for the present—it’s a significant investment in your future.

Navigating the legal waters without an strong advocate might leave you missing out on opportunities for better outcomes. The seasoned attorney’s at Charitsis Law not only ensures that your rights are championed but also strategizes for your long-term well-being. Our expertise can steer a challenging situation towards more favorable avenues, potentially negotiating a withdrawal, reduced charges or other benefits. When you engage a skilled criminal lawyer, you’re not just purchasing legal advice; you’re investing in your future possibilities, clearer paths, and peace of mind.

The value of such an investment extends far beyond the courtroom and into the chapters of your life ahead.

Do I need a defence lawyer for my case?

In Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees anyone accused of a crime the right to have a defence lawyer. While it also allows people to represent themselves in criminal cases, you’ll need the judge’s permission to do so.

Choosing to represent yourself is deeply personal, but based on our familiarity with the Burlington courts, we advise against it. Experience is invaluable: defence lawyers have comprehensive knowledge of the law, understand the intricacies of court procedures, and are skilled in articulating arguments. Moreover, they know how to communicate effectively with the crown attorney, ensuring that your best interests are always at the forefront.

Given the potential severity of criminal convictions, especially for serious charges, having a seasoned legal professional on your side is invaluable. Their expertise can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Dedicated and Recognized Advocacy

Our team of criminal lawyers in Burlington is not just experienced, but also well-recognized, with positive mentions on Google Reviews, Better Business Bureau, LawyerRatingz.com, and more. But beyond accolades, what truly drives us is a genuine passion for helping our clients. We’re all about building winning defences, clear communication, and ensuring you get the best outcome.

Trust that when you choose Charitsis Law, you’re not just getting a lawyer – you’re gaining a partner with a team behind them. We understand the weight of defending your character and rights. So, we’ll always be here to guide you, keep you informed, and work together every step of the way.

Burlington Criminal Court

If you’re up against criminal charges in Burlington, call and speak to one of our lawyer, it’s free. We’re deeply acquainted with the workings of the Halton Region and GTA courts. Our longstanding presence has allowed us to establish connections and familiarity with key figures, including the crown attorney, judges, and other court officials.

This experience of the system and its players gives us an edge over less experience advocates. We don’t just represent clients; we strategically navigate the local legal terrain. Our proven track record reflects our ability to prepare and present strong defences, resulting in wins, charge reductions, and avoiding criminal records and licence suspensions. With us, you’re not only getting defence; you’re getting the advantage of local expertise and relationships to champion your cause and secure your future.

Arrested for a Criminal Charge in Burlington?

Criminal arrests are made when a police officer either has witnessed a crime or has reasonable and probable grounds to believe an offence has been committed. Once arrested, the accused may be released on a promise to appear in court or be taken by the police officer into custody for a bail hearing at the Milton courthouse. The accused will be fingerprinted and photographed. The accused will be required to answer a series of personal questions and will then be placed in a holding cell. The police must give the accused reasonable phone calls and be allowed speak to a criminal defence lawyer of their choosing or to duty counsel.

Where the accused is being held for a bail hearing, the are kept in jail until they can be brought before a Justice. The accused will be given a court hearing within 48 hours of being placed in custody, and will be allowed to meet with their lawyer before the bail hearing takes place.

When an accused individual is brought to the courthouse, the court clerk notifies the judge about the specific charges against them. The judge then asks the accused to plead either “guilty” or “not guilty.” Before this happens the accused to should get some advice from one of our criminal lawyers about how to plead.  Where the accused pleads not guilty, the judge evaluates whether the accused should be released from custody while awaiting their trial date.

A guilty plea is an admission of guilt, and the accused will be responsible for the penalties of the crime plus accept a criminal record for life. A plea of not guilty means, the crown attorney must prove the facts of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt to the judge at trial.  Witnesses must appear on the trial date to give evidence.

At the Burlington courthouse most criminal proceedings appear before a provincial court judge, without a jury and the judge will decide the outcome.

If after the trial the accused is found not guilty, they will be allowed to go free. Where the accused is found guilty, or if the accused pleads guilty, a sentencing hearing will be held immediately unless deferred by the court. At sentencing, the judge listens to submissions from both the defence lawyer and the crown attorney regarding the accused, including any past criminal record and background in deciding a penalty.

Many criminal charges including impaired driving and dangerous driving have mandatory penalties like licence suspensions that the judge has no control over.

At the sentencing hearing, the judges in the Halton courts may want to hear the opinions of the accused’s friends and family, or from the victim(s) of the crime. The judge will then decide a penalty based on sentencing requirements and the evidence provided.